Investment opportunities ahead for Inverclyde

I was delighted to head down to Inchgreen Marine Park last week to see for myself the difference the £11 million investment has made to the site. I am currently the chair of our joint venture board with Peel Ports/Clydeport.

A lot of this investment has gone into things you can’t see like dredging at the quayside to bring water levels down as well as getting rid of old buildings, developing new roads and buying extra land. There’s also a brand new entrance gate which is the most visible sign of the changes.

I had a good chat with Jim McSporran, port director at Peel Ports/Clydeport, who is optimistic about the site’s future. He said there are already a range of businesses from different sectors interested in moving to the site. It’s great to hear that other people can see the potential here in Inverclyde.

The project’s been funded through the Glasgow City Region Deal, which also provided much of the funding for new cruise pontoon and visitor centre at Greenock Ocean Terminal.

This is a prime waterfront site with great transport links and, of course, stunning views across the Clyde.

I’m optimistic about the future of this site and I am looking forward to seeing the businesses which move here, invest in Inverclyde and help create jobs.

It was also nice to have the First Minister recognise the work we have done at Inchgreen when he visited Inverclyde on Saturday.

Hopefully we can look forward to a positive response soon from his government to the £70m package of funding requests submitted by the Inverclyde Task Force last August.

Community grants funding

Budgets are a crucial part of being a council leader and decisions can be tough.

Community grants are a great way to spread some of the council’s budget to those grassroots clubs and groups who do so much in our communities.

Once again, we’ve been able to help several groups with funding to support them to continue and invest in their members and volunteers.

In total, the council’s Community Grants Fund has given out more than £300,000 to 119 groups across Inverclyde in the past 12 months. I’m confident this is making a difference to those clubs and I’m proud of the council’s part in it.

The next round of funding for 2024/25 should hopefully open sometime in May.

Happy Easter

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Tele readers a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break. No matter how you’re spending it, whether you’re hunting down the Easter bunny or taking some time to catch up with family and friends, I’m sure it will be a welcome break after the long winter months.